Perfect Crispy Fried Tofu

By
Jolinda Hackett
Jolinda Hackett
Jolinda Hackett has written five books about plant-based cooking and has developed hundreds of vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 07/12/24
Tested by
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Tested by Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Press Time: 10 mins
Total: 20 mins
Servings: 4 to 5 servings
Yield: 2 3/4 cups

If you're looking to reduce your meat intake, tofu is a great alternative. While some meat-eaters might turn up their nose at the mention of the stuff, tofu is a versatile ingredient that takes on flavor easily and can be steamed, baked, fried, and scrambled.

Cubed fried tofu on a plate with a leaf of romaine lettuce

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While delicious on its own if you add a little salt, garlic, and nutritional yeast, this will become even tastier.

Fried tofu can be dipped in just about any sauce: barbecue sauce, vegan ranch dressing, honey mustard, Chinese hoisin sauce, or even wing sauce. You can also use fried tofu in any vegetable stir-fry, fried rice, vegetarian curry, or noodle dish, or just as a crispy-crunchy snack or main dish. Toss fried tofu into vegetarian soups and salads for extra protein and a bit of crunchy texture.

What You'll Need to Make This Crispy Fried Tofu Recipe
Commerce Photo Composite
A Handy Dandy Tofu Press
spruce eats chef's knives lab testing photo
A Sharp Chef's Knife
Best Skillets
A Nice Heavy Skillet

"I used extra-firm tofu in the recipe and pressed it for about 10 minutes. I found that the more browned the cubes were, the crispier they were. The flavor was excellent, and the fried tofu would be delicious with a dip or incorporated into a stir-fry dish." —Diana Rattray

Cubed fried tofu on a plate over a bed of mixed greens
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 1 block firm or extra-firm tofu

  • 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for vegan crispy fried tofu gathered

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  2. Press 1 block firm or extra-firm tofu by placing paper towels underneath and on top of the block and weighing it down for 10 minutes.

    Tofu weighed down by a bowl and cutting board and lined with paper towels

    The Spruce Eats

  3. Slice the pressed tofu into 1/2-inch cubes.

    Pressed tofu cut into cubes

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  4. In a small bowl, combine the tofu with 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Toss gently to coat the tofu well. Or, place all ingredients in a zip-lock bag or covered container and shake well.

    Tofu cubes tossed with nutritional yeast, flour, and spices

    The Spruce Eats

  5. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat until hot. Add the tofu. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and lightly crispy on most sides.

    Crispy fried tofu in a skillet with a wooden spoon

    The Spruce Eats

Feeling Adventurous? Try This:

  • Make it gluten-free - Use gluten-free flour in this recipe instead of all-purpose flour if you're on a gluten-free diet. 
  • Try other spices - Add spices to the mix such as cayenne pepper, paprika, or turmeric.
  • No meat, no problem - Instead of meat, try using crispy tofu cubes to top tossed salads, pad Thai, or serve as an appetizer with sauce.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
156 Calories
11g Fat
6g Carbs
12g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 5
Amount per serving
Calories 156
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 2g 8%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 219mg 10%
Total Carbohydrate 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber 2g 9%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 12g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 263mg 20%
Iron 2mg 12%
Potassium 186mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)